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Powerful Learning, Powerful Leadership Part 2
As a technology leader, it is important to encourage intrinsic motivation by fostering trust and creativity in employees. Though the typical workplace relies on extrinsic incentives, such as bonuses, to provide motivation, these can hinder the complex tasks we are asked to perform in a workplace. They can even cause underperformance. In Daniel Pink’s Ted Talk (2009), he emphasizes three key drivers of motivation:
Providing meaningful opportunities for creativity is crucial for fostering autonomy, mastery, and purpose—three key drivers of motivation in the workplace. Nowhere is this more important than technology use.
Many people differ in their confidence in technology skills, and as new initiatives emerge, this uncertainty only grows. However, when we allow ourselves the grace to explore and create under practical constraints, the more innovation we foster within our workplace culture. In the words of George Couros, “Creativity is where we start to think differently, and Innovation is where creativity comes to life,” (Couros, 2015, p. 158).
Analyzing Three Key Drivers of Motivation
Autonomy and Experimentation
Autonomy and Experimentation
As the creative process unfolds, experimentation takes center stage; autonomy, taking risks, and a lot of trial and error are pivotal. My goal as a leader is to embrace the flaws of creativity and experimentation on technology as a welcome practice. This includes viewing mistakes as a building block; an essential component of the creative process.
Mastery: Productive Struggle
Mastery: Productive Struggle
Mastery is achieved through continuous learning and trust in the creative process. When people understand the broader impact of their work, they become more motivated to push through creative struggles, embrace failure as a necessary step, and stay engaged. This isn’t just about remembering your why—it’s about continuously evolving and deepening the understanding of why their work matters.
Purpose and Meaningful Problem Solving
Purpose and Meaningful Problem Solving
Creativity is a bumpy road. It is often romanticized as a smooth and intricate process. In reality, it is riddled with flaws, missteps, and frustration. However, at the core of technology leadership is a growth mindset. Creativity isn’t just about generating new ideas, it’s about solving meaningful problems with purpose. It begins with something as simple as an idea, even a vague thought, and flying with it.
Examples
Within my technology plan, allotting time for teacher exploration fosters creativity. It allows educators to experiment with innovative teaching methods and explore topics at their own pace using project-based learning tools. This ensures that teachers are not only experimenting with technology but also establishing autonomy and trial and error in the process of adapting to new technology.
In my practicum, I can also implement these strategies by intentionally selecting tools that serve a clear purpose and directly impact students and teachers. Rather than using technology for its own sake, I leverage it to solve real problems; bridging learning gaps and increasing engagement. Educators actively collaborate, create, reflect, and refine their approaches to ensure every tool aligns with meaningful learning outcomes.
Conclusion
Ultimately, the creative process is a paradox: frustrating yet rewarding, disorganized yet structured, flawed yet necessary. As a leader, honing in on the creative process, flaws and all, is crucial to developing an innovative mindset and fostering motivation in the workplace. When employees are trusted to endure the creative process under practical constraints, the most original and impactful ideas take shape.
References
Couros, G. (2015). The innovator’s mindset: Empower learning, unleash talent, and lead a culture of creativity. DBC Inc.
Pink, D. H. (2009, July). The puzzle of motivation. TED Conferences. https://www.ted.com/talks/dan_pink_the_puzzle_of_motivation
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